Who Abri Are

John Durkin, BArch University of Auckland ANZIA

I love to question, see things differently, explore ideas and reveal hidden opportunity.

I do this through architecture and coaching, photography and writing — and by advocating for people to make their lives better.

My golf is a work in progress, and my passion for Liverpool Football Club a certifiable genetic malaise.

Naomi Tate, NDAT BAS Unitec

I enjoy gardening and great cups of English Breakfast tea.

I find the context behind the site and building fascinating, and enjoy the problem solving that comes with analysing each site and coming up with a unique solution that will improve the environment in that location.

Sam Lawrence, BArch Unitec

I believe that our lives and the built environment can be improved by functional beauty, by way of thoughtful, quality design on all scale.

I have a passion for all facets of design, and enjoy using mechanical and physical mediums to explore and solve problems.

I'm a fan of Charles & Ray Eames for their masterful integration of mechanical simplicity, function and beauty, and have a fascination with Saabs and their alternative yet logical approach to design and engineering.

I enjoy hiking, travel, learning about different cultures, and spending time with friends and family.

I appreciate that every project is unique, and enjoy the problem solving phase that takes place, to turn an idea into reality.

Gaylene Rodgers, DipFA University of Auckland, NZCAD Unitec

I'm interested in bespoke design. Individual lifestyles and the changing environment demand critical thinking and constant re-evaluation. For me, architecture evolves from personality; from the clients to the site, and the materials used to create this union.

I enjoy up-cycling and creating objects. My collection of cookbooks keep me experimenting in the kitchen and I love growing food in the garden.

Taulata Gjerqeku, BAS MArch Prof (Hons) University of Auckland

My aim is to make buildings fluid; a changeable backdrop to our constantly changing modes of life. I get inspired by the way we interact emotionally with spaces that we inhabit and our immediate environment.

I enjoy travelling, spending time with my family and friends, and most of all the lessons that my daughter is teaching me on a daily basis.